It is our custom to provide some opportunity for most retreat participants to talk about their experience in the group, as this allows them the chance to “think out loud” with others who understand the retreat process.  This helps to integrate the experience and makes the insights gained during the retreat to be more clearly understood and accessible for daily use.  It also can serve as an inspiration for others who might consider a retreat experience.  During the dialogue, Peter emphasized the value of the way the mind is trained on a retreat, comparing this to similar trainings in the practice of musicianship, sports, and writing, for example.  (sorry for the typo in the title).  Next week, Peter will talk about the use of commitment (discussed in an earlier talk) with the precepts, to empower spiritual progress.